Hamstring help! 'mature hunter'

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Mister Ziggles

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My horse has just been diagnosed with hamstring problems in both hind legs: one acute (as a result of chasing new pony around) the other chronic (aggravated by his recent antics):( .... just wondering of other people's experience regarding recovery from hamstring strains and other therapies that have been successful.
He's been seen and scanned by vet (scans show some fluid and thickening on acute one and some signs of 'mineralisation' and 'grainy' tissue on the chronic one). He's is on 6 weeks of gentle exercise plus bute until re-scan and assess. Vet's prognosois of a full recovery is 'guarded'
He's ISH, 17.3 and 20 years old and in great shape physically. I've owned him for all of his ridden life (16+yrs) and he's worked consistently and steadily throughout his life with light competing in SJ, WH, RH and the odd half day hunting. Until 3 weeks ago he was in full work and sound.
Am worried about this as long trem prob particularly because of his age.... have got everything crossed for my lovely boy to get well and back to what he loves doing:(!
 
Sorry to hear about the injury. It sounds like the vet has been very thorough. I would ask your vet to refer for physiotherapy if you don't already have your own physio that you use. They will be able to help with the muscle healing and rebuilding strength and function. If you don't know any physio's in your area you can look on the ACPAT website for 'find a physio'

http://www.acpat.org/

Good luck with the recovery
 
We had this on a 17.2hh heavyweight worker stamp of an ISH.

What we found helped......
magnetic hind brushing boots or a magnetic summer sheet - helps maintain circulation
walked in hand 2/3 times a day (winter so no turnout)
massage
he also had a McTimoney chiroptractor keep an eye on him - he had monthly visits from her to keep the rest of him in shape.

I would've loved to have been able to put him on a horse walker, to keep him moving quietly

It did heal - but took time.
 
Thank you Spacefaer, really encouraging to hear yours did fix :) I have been thinking about magnetic therapy, wondering if to go for the hock boots as closer to the hamstring area? Am going to get some advice on this tomorrow. I think the chiro/ physio approach can only help too so am going to talk to my vet about recommendations there too. I'm lucky he has 24 hr turnout so can keep moving and is enjoying his gentle hacks (but having to keep him away from his usual gallops as he thinks he's fitter than he is!!!). Really appreciate your response, cheers :) x
 
My old horse tore a hamstring in her late teens. It didn't heal particulary well and depite massaging etc it was visably tight and the 'knot' in te muscle was solid. It made her mechanically lame, noticable in walk as she seemed to slam her foot down flat. I did loads of stretching exercises but it didn't get much better. It didn't really affect her and she carried on for quite a few ore years.
I think that constant immediate treatment is the key to the best healing.
 
Thanks Dotty... really useful to hear different experiences. Yours sounds like it was more severe.. There is no distinctive 'knot' or even major thickening in my boy's case.
My vet is amazing.. he picked it up quite quickly on examination... he had a trainee with him who couldn't feel any problem and to be honest I really struggled to feel it even with precise guidance and description. Sure enough the scan showed exactly what the vet had predicted! My horse wasn't even noticeably lame but just not as free moving and didn't feel balanced in canter.... I'm hoping this means he's a decent chance of recovering... even if he is 20!! There's way too much left in him yet, physically and mentally, to be retiring him!
 
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